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At least 523 records · Page 29Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Experimental neodymium:YAG laser damage to acrylic, poly(methyl methacrylate), and silicone intraocular lens materials.

PURPOSE: To compare neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser effects on acrylic, silicone, and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) intraocular lens (IOL) polymers. METHODS: Ten Nd:YAG laser exposures were produced in each of 6 implantation-quality acrylic (Alcon MA60BM), silicone (Staar AQ1016), and PMMA (Alcon MC60BM) IOLs under identical conditions. Each polymer type was irradiated at 6 power settings (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 mJ) and at 2 focal points (midpoint of lens optic and on the posterior surface to which a cellophane membrane was affixed). The linear extent of the damage was measured using light microscopy. Specimens exposed to 1.0 mJ were processed for scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The damage threshold (> or = 5 microns depth) was 0.3 mJ for silicone and 1.0 mJ for acrylic and PMMA IOLs. At the clinically relevant power levels, 1.0 to 2.0 mJ, the depth of damage in the acrylic polymer was 11.9 to 30.5 times less than the depth in the silicone polymer. Similarly, the depth of damage in the PMMA polymer was 5.4 to 52.6 times less than the depth in the silicone polymer. The morphologic pattern of damage in the silicone IOL showed a deep, irregularly configured trough with meandering tendrils. Acrylic IOL damage morphology consisted of an ameboid-shaped entry site without radiating fractures and mild posterior penetration. Poly(methyl methacrylate) IOL damage consisted of a shallow focal trough with radiating fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The silicone IOL polymer had the lowest threshold for laser-induced damage and greater linear extension of damage than the PMMA and acrylic IOL polymers. Poly(methyl methacrylate) and silicone polymers exhibited collateral damage or ejected particulates adjacent to the entry site, whereas the acrylic polymer showed a discrete locus of damage.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed1999

Posterior capsule opacification in eyes with a silicone or poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and silicone intraocular lenses (IOLs) on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery. SETTING: Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea. METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 48 patients (54 eyes) who had neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy from March 1995 to December 1997. All operations were performed by 1 surgeon using the same technique except for incision method. RESULTS: Mean interval from cataract surgery to Nd:YAG capsulotomy was 31 months in the PMMA group and 15 months in the silicone group. The difference between groups was statistically significant (P = .0002). The ratio of Elschnig pearl to fibrosis type PCO was 16:6 in the PMMA group and 14:18 in the silicone group. Mean total Nd:YAG laser energy used was 256 mJ in the PMMA group and 309 mJ in silicone group. However, the damage caused by the laser was more severe and more common in the silicone group. CONCLUSION: Silicone IOLs induced PCO faster than PMMA IOLs, with fibrosis the most common type in the silicone group. Precautions should be taken to prevent damage during Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in eyes with a silicone IOL.

Cataract↗
PubMed1997

Cellular immune reactivities in women with silicone breast implants: a preliminary investigation.

BACKGROUND: Surgical implantation of silicone breast prostheses has been conducted and considered safe for over 30 years. Some implant recipients, however, complain of a group of symptoms similar to those observed in connective tissue disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or polymyositis. To date, immunologic sequelae have not been confirmed and remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: To examine an autoimmune-like basis for the "silicone associated disease" reported by some women with silicone breast prostheses. METHODS: Proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells against a panel of control and connective tissue proteins and to compounds common to silicone prostheses were measured in 26 women who received silicone breast implants (with implants in place an average of 166.4 [standard deviation (SD) 58.3] months), and 23 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: The frequency and intensity of cellular immune responses against collagen I, collagen III, fibrinogen, and fibronectin were significantly increased in silicone breast implant recipients versus controls. In implant subjects, the highest frequency of immune reactivity was directed against collagen I (11/26, 42%) with collagen III being the most immunostimulatory self-antigen with a mean stimulation index (SI) of 8.2 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.2]. In addition, 10/26 (39%) of the implant recipients responded to more than one of the connective tissue antigens versus 0/23 (0%, P = .0007) healthy controls. Immunologic reactivities to other antigens, including silicone-based compounds, were remarkably similar. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of self-reactivity towards these connective tissue antigens may provide important information for attempts at associating silicone breast implants with disease.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A randomized trial of polyurethane and silicone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheters.

BACKGROUND: No data are available on differences in complication rate and long-term functioning between polyurethane and silicone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) catheters. METHODS: We randomized patients who qualified for PEG placement to receive either a polyurethane or silicone PEG catheter. Patients were prospectively monitored for 28 days after placement for the occurrence of complications. Data on long-term PEG survival were obtained retrospectively from the Hospital and general practitioner's medical records. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients were randomized (polyurethane 50, silicone 56). During the first four weeks of follow-up, major complications occurred twice with both polyurethane and silicone PEGs (relative risk 1.1, 95% confidence interval: 0.11-11). Overall complications occurred four times with polyurethane and 17 times with silicone PEGs (relative risk 3.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.37-10.5). Long-term follow-up was available in 96 patients. Seven polyurethane PEGs and 10 silicone PEGs were removed because of PEG malfunctioning, the remainder functioned well until death or the reinstitution of oral feeding. The median complication-free survival was 916 days for the polyurethane PEG and 354 days for the silicone PEG (Log rank test: P=0.24). CONCLUSION: Polyurethane PEG catheters were associated with less short-term complications than silicone catheters, but major complications and long-term function were comparable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Calcium and silicon from bioactive glass concerned with formation of nodules in periodontal-ligament fibroblasts in vitro.

Previously, the authors reported that bioactive glass promoted formation of nodules in cultured periodontal-ligament fibroblasts and high concentrations of calcium and silicon were detected in the culture medium. Herein, the effects of bioactive glass, calcium alone and calcium and silicon for formation of nodules on the periodontal-ligament fibroblasts are examined. The cells were cultured with bioactive glass, without bioactive glass, calcium and silicon, with calcium alone and with calcium and silicon. The cell growth, alkaline-phosphatase activity, amount of pro-collagen type I and the number of nodules were measured periodically until the 21st day. The cell growth rate with calcium and silicon was the highest, however the rate with bioactive glass and calcium alone were similar to that without them. The alkaline-phosphatase activity and the amount of pro-collagen showed peaks at the 11th day. At the peak, the alkaline-phosphatase activity with bioactive glass or calcium and silicon, and the pro-collagen with bioactive glass was higher than without them. The number of nodules with bioactive glass, calcium alone or calcium and silicon was greater than without them. These findings suggested that the combination of calcium and silicon released from bioactive glass was concerned with the formation of nodules on the periodontal-ligament cells.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed2002

The effect of silicone injections in the diabetic foot on peak plantar pressure and plantar tissue thickness: a 2-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To report the efficacy of injected liquid silicone (ILS) in the foot at 2 years after administration. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Diabetic foot clinic in the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight diabetic neuropathic patients, randomized into an active treatment group (n=14) and a placebo group (n=14). INTERVENTION: Participants were given either 6 injections of 0.2mL of liquid silicone (silicone group) or equal volumes of saline (placebo group) under metatarsal head sites with callus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plantar tissue thickness and plantar pressures were measured at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postinjection. RESULTS: At 12 months, the plantar tissue thickness in the silicone group had increased by a mean 1.6+/-0.9mm (P=.001), and remained increased at 24 months (1.1+/-0.7mm, P=.003). Peak plantar pressure in the silicone group was reduced at 12 months (-165.0+/-253.5kPa, P=.03), but not at 24 months. There was no change in tissue thickness or peak plantar pressure in the placebo group at 12 and 24 months. The reduction in the pressure time integral (PTI) in the silicone group did not reach significance at 12 months (-.71+/-1.17kPa/s, P=.055). Although PTI returned to baseline at 24 months for the silicone group, it was significantly increased in the placebo group (.64+/-.37kPa/s, P=.043), suggesting that silicone may still exhibit some pressure-reducing properties after 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that at 24 months postinjection the cushioning properties of ILS have reduced, suggesting that booster injections may be required in certain patients.

Diabetic Foot↗
PubMed2006

[Histological and immunohistochemical investigations with capsular contracture after breast augmentation with smooth silicone gel implants].

INTRODUCTION: A prospective study was performed to analyse the cellular and molecular composition of fibrous capsules around silicone breast implants. The necessity of an exact histological classification for comparing objectively the different findings of capsular contracture is shown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective study (investigation time 1/2003 to 6/2005) included 24 female patients (average age: 40+/-12 years) with contracture after bilateral cosmetic breast augmentation with smooth silicone gel implants (Mentor). In each patient the baker score was determined preoperatively. Samples of capsular tissue from all patients were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically and classified according to the histological classification introduced by Wilflingseder and co-workers. RESULTS: All capsules showed the same basic histological structure with a three-layer composition. For the correlation analysis we had to exclude one patient with repeated implant change. There was no correlation between the patient's age, time of implantation, length of implant period, and capsular contracture. Greater amounts of silicone particles were associated with increased degrees of capsular contracture (Baker: r = 0.687, n = 23, p < or = 0.001; Wilflingseder: r = 0.784, n = 23, p < or = 0.001). High silicone amounts were associated with an increased local inflammation (r = 0.489, n = 23, p , 0.05). A moderate to severe local inflammation was found in 23 patients (95.8%). In summary, there was a positive correlation (r = 0.797, n = 23; p , or = 0.001) between the clinical classification (Baker score I to IV) and the histological classification (Wilflingseder score I to IV). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated in our study, in spite of using implants with high gel cohesiveness (fourth generation), the presence of vacuolated macrophages with microcystic structures containing silicone and silicone particles in the capsular tissue. Greater capsular thickness was associated with an increased number of silicone particles ans silicone-loaded macrophages in the peri-implant capsule. The histological classification introduced by Wilflingseder and co-workers takes into consideration this pathogenetic mechanism of inflammatory reaction which seems to be one of the major key factors in the development of capsular contracture.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Retrolaminar infiltration of optic nerve with intraocular tamponade following silicone oil instillation].

BACKGROUND: Eyes after intravitreal silicone oil injection may suffer various complications. We report on a patient with deep retrolaminar changes in the optic nerve after silicone oil instillation with secondary angle-closure glaucoma. PATIENT: A 69-year-old female patient with aphakic retinal detachment of the right eye was treated by pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil injection. After 41 months the patient presented with absolute secondary angle-closure glaucoma with rubeosis iridis. The intraocular pressure was elevated up to 55 mmHg. There was a peripheral retinal detachment and a pale deeply cupped optic disc. Due to increasing pain the blind eye was enucleated. Histology showed a mainly detached retina and silicone oil occupying the vitreous cavity. The optic nerve was deeply cupped and the parenchyma presented multiple cavernous spaces of various sizes. These presumptive silicone oil bubbles reached beyond the line of surgical transection, nine millimeters behind the globe. CONCLUSION: In comparison to Schnabel's cavernous optic atrophy the vacuoles in the optic nerve in this patient were filled with silicone oil instead of acid mucopolysaccharides. A posterior migration of silicone oil into the orbital optic nerve can not be excluded, after long-term silicone oil tamponade and elevated intraocular pressure.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

[Secondary glaucoma after silicone oil surgery].

In spite of advances in surgical technique and the development of purified silicone oils, secondary glaucoma still develops in 10-20% of cases following silicone oil surgery. In the first part of this study it is shown by life-table analysis that factors such as early lens removal, inferior iridectomy, early silicone removal or the use of purified silicone oil have little or no influence on the development of glaucoma. In the second part an attempt is made to pinpoint possible causes of secondary glaucoma by re-examining all cases in which elevated intraocular pressure developed some time after silicone oil surgery. It was found that a multitude of factors (e.g., inflammation, angle-block, anterior peripheral synechiae and emulsification) were involved in the pathogenesis of temporary or persistent secondary glaucomas. In most cases pre-existing pathology was found to be responsible rather than the silicone oil itself. The majority of the cases in which the silicone oil caused secondary glaucoma by emulsification responded well to medication alone or removal of the silicone oil.

Aphakia↗
PubMed1982

Spallation and migration of silicone from blood-pump tubing in patients on hemodialysis.

Spalled particles of silicone were observed in the livers of patients with chronic renal failure treated by hemodialysis. The refractile particles of silicone were associated with various degrees of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and granulomatous hepatitis was evident in nine cases. Retrospective examination revealed the material in 18 of 38 liver-biopsy samples from patients on hemodialysis who had clinical hepatic dysfunction. Of 31 autopsies of patients who had undergone hemodialysis, 22 revealed silicone in the liver, and silicone was also present in the spleen in all cases and in the marrow, lungs, and nodes in some. Giant cells containing silicone were also observed in these organs. Silicone was present in patients who had undergone hemodialysis for six weeks to 84 months (mean, 24 months). The identity of the material was confirmed by atomic absorption and by electron microprobe analysis. The silicone was traced to a segment of silicone tubing located in the roller pump of the dialysis machine.

Autopsy↗
PubMed2003

Effect of the silicone disclosing procedure on the shear bond strength of composite cements to ceramic restorations.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: There is no evidence-based information on how ceramic restorations with an adhesive bond between restoration material and composite cement may be influenced by a silicone disclosing agent. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the silicone disclosing procedure on the shear bond strength of composite cements in the luting of industrial sintered and laboratory sintered ceramic restorations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty standardized (15 x 10 x 9 mm) prefabricated ceramic specimens (Groups 1, 3, 5) and 30 standardized (15 x10 x 9 mm) conventionally sintered ceramic specimens (Groups 2, 4, 6) were roughened with sandpaper (800-grit). Each group contained 10 specimens. Groups 3 and 4 were conditioned with hydrofluoric acid and primed with silane solution after the use of a silicone disclosing procedure. Groups 1 and 2 served as the control groups, where no silicone disclosing procedure was performed. Groups 5 and 6 were insulated with glycerine before the silicone disclosing procedure. A glass tube (4.5 mm in diameter) was used to apply a cylinder of dual-polymerized composite cement to the conditioned surfaces. All specimens were submitted to 5000 thermocycles (5 degrees to 55 degrees C) to simulate the in vivo situation. The specimens were subjected to a shear-pull test at a constant crosshead speed of 5 mm/min with a universal testing machine. The comparative shear bond strengths were analyzed by use of Duncan's test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Shear bond strength values for Groups 1 (9.86 +/- 4.97 MPa) and 2 (9.56 +/- 4.47 Mpa) were obtained with no significant differences. Lower but significantly undifferent values were obtained for Groups 3 (7.49 +/- 4.67 MPa) and 4 (7.62 +/- 3.49 MPa) after the use of a silicone disclosing procedure. In Groups 5 (8.21 +/- 4.75 MPa) and 6 (8.22 +/- 3.59 MPa), including insulation with glycerine before the silicone disclosing procedure, no significant differences were obtained. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the use of silicone disclosing procedures before conditioning the ceramic surface did not lead to a significant reduction of the shear bond strength between ceramic and composite cement. The ceramic materials used (industrial-sintered versus laboratory-sintered ceramic) had no significant influence on adhesion.

Acid Etching, Dental↗
PubMed2005

Literature review of the possible advantages of silicon liner socket use in trans-tibial prostheses.

The silicon liner socket has been used in the trans-tibial prosthesis since the 1980s. Silicon liner sockets are sleeves of silicon material that are rolled onto the stump and fix the prosthesis to it. The producers of the liners propagate many advantages in their use i.e. better suspension of the prosthesis, protection of the stump skin and improved cosmetic appearance. This review was performed to find objective documentation in the literature in support of the advantages in prosthetic fitting and use of silicon liners. A medline search was performed with the key words: "silicon liner socket, Icelandic Roll On Silicon Socket (ICEROSS), trans-tibial prosthesis, lower leg prosthesis and stump sockets". Six articles remained after application of the selection criteria. In two studies clinical examination was done while in the rest questionnaires were used to collect data. The indication for amputation varied from vascular insufficiency, diabetes mellitus and infection to trauma. Most studies mentioned improved prosthetic suspension compared to the conventional supracondylar fitting. Also the walking performance improved with less use of walking aids. There were reports of positive but also negative effects on the skin such as excessive perspiration and itching. Patients had a general preference in prosthetic appearance in favour of the prosthesis with a silicon liner. Further research is needed with the use of objective clinical parameters and a homogenous study group objectively to find advantages in the use of the silicon liner socket in the trans-tibial prosthesis.

Amputation Stumps↗
PubMed1998

Silicon and aluminium interactions in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Aluminium toxicity in dialysis patients is well described. Aluminium has a close chemical affinity with silicon. Silicon may have a role in protection against aluminium toxicity. METHODS: We measured serum aluminium and silicon levels from haemodialysis patients from four different centres. RESULTS: Though no relationship was seen across all centres combined, in one centre there was a reciprocal relationship in patients on home haemodialysis (who did not require reverse osmosis). Median (range) aluminium levels were higher, 2.2 (0.4-9.6) micromol/l when serum silicon was less than 150 micromol/l, and lower, 1.1 (0.2-2.8) micromol/l when serum silicon levels were greater than 150 micromol/l (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated by haemodialysis without reverse osmosis high serum silicon concentrations were associated with lower serum aluminium concentrations than those with low serum silicon. Further work needs to confirm a preventative role for silicon in the accumulation and subsequent toxicity of aluminium in dialysis patients.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1993

Human immune response to polydimethylsiloxane (silicone): screening studies in a breast implant population.

Although initially it was thought that polydimethylsiloxane (silicone) was biologically inert, recent published studies have demonstrated varying levels of IgG antibody reactive with this structure in humans. The objective of our study was to determine whether silicone implanted in humans results in a measurable immune response directed against a 3700 mol wt hydroxyl terminated silicone molecule and whether that response could be correlated with the level of presumed silicone exposure as inferred by clinical history. In a blind study, sera from 111 patients, with and without breast implants, were sent to a laboratory using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine specific anti-silicone IgG antibody levels. Test results showed that patients with implants demonstrated statistically significant elevation in anti-silicone antibodies compared with the unimplanted control groups. The highest anti-silicone antibody levels were measured in implanted women with either frank implant ruptures or leakage of their silicone gel implants.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Elemental analysis and clinical implications of calcification deposits associated with silicone breast implants.

Calcification of the fibrous capsule surrounding silicone breast implants is a well-recognized occurrence that increases with time following implantation. These mineralized deposits potentially confound mammographic breast cancer surveillance already made difficult by the obscuring effects of silicone breast implants. The authors performed elemental analysis of silicone breast implant-associated calcifications to define better their chemical composition as related to mammographic and clinical significance. Electron probe microanalysis and infrared spectroscopy revealed all of the calcification deposits to be calcium complexed with tribasic phosphate. No evidence of calcium oxalate, calcium carbonate, silicone, or talc was observed. Caution must be employed in interpreting mammograms in women with silicone breast implants as well as those who have had their silicone breast implants removed. High-density mammographic calcifications indicative of calcium phosphate associated with a silicone breast implant may represent an accepted consequence of implantation or nearby carcinoma. We recommend baseline mammography on women who have had their silicone breast implants removed to prevent unnecessary fine-needle aspiration or tissue biopsy of retained breast capsule calcifications during subsequent routine surveillance for carcinoma.

Breast↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Development of a silicone hollow fiber membrane oxygenator for ECMO application.

A new silicone hollow fiber membrane oxygenator for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was developed using an ultrathin silicone hollow fiber, with a 300 microm outer diameter and a wall thickness of 50 microm. The hollow fibers were mechanically cross-wound on the flow distributor to achieve equal distribution of blood flow without changing the fiber shape. The housing, made of silicone coated acryl, was 236 mm long with an inner diameter of 60 mm. The surface area was 1.0 m2 for prototype 211, and 1.1 m2 for prototype 209. The silicone fiber length was 150 mm, and the silicone membrane packing density was 43% for prototype 211 and 36% for prototype 209. Prototype 211 has a priming volume of 208 ml, and prototype 209 has a priming volume of 228 ml. The prototype 211 oxygenator demonstrates a gas transfer rate of 120 +/- 5 ml/min (mean +/- SD) for O2 and 67 +/- 12 ml/min for CO2 under 2 L of blood flow and 4 L of O2 gas flow. Prototype 209 produced the same values. The blood side pressure drop was low compared with the silicone sheet oxygenator (Avecor, 1500ECMO). These results showed that this new oxygenator for ECMO had efficiency similar to the silicone sheet oxygenator that has a 50% larger surface area. These results suggest that the new generation oxygenator using an ultrathin silicone hollow fiber possesses sufficient gas transfer performance for long-term extracorporeal lung support.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed1990

Assessment of the lymphocyte response to silicone.

The biocompatibility of silicone is once again the focus of increased interest. Long considered inert, silicone has now been reported to be responsible for macrophage inhibition in rats and to possibly cause adjuvant disease in humans, and the related compound silica has elicited an antibody response in mice. The present study evaluates lymphocytic response to silicone as expressed by the demonstration of immunologic memory, or changes in specific lymphocyte subpopulations. Thirty-six female Lewis rats (250 gm body weight) were used as test animals. Group 1 (n = 12) was injected subcutaneously with 2.5 ml Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) alone. Group 2 (n = 12) was injected with 2.5 ml FCA sonicated with silicone gel. Group 3 (n = 6) was injected with 2.5 ml FCA, and at 4 weeks, gel-filled silicone implants were placed subcutaneously. Group 4 (n = 6) was injected with 2.5 ml FCA sonicated with silicone gel, and gel-filled silicone implants were placed at 4 weeks. An additional group of six rats (group 5) served as control for the experimental animals, and a group of four rats (group 6) served as naive control. Groups 1 and 2 were sacrificed at 4 weeks, and splenic lymphocytes were obtained for lymphocyte transformation assays performed against silicone. Assays also were run with the addition of the known mitogens Con A, PHA, LPS, and pokeweed. Cytofluorographic analysis of pan-T, T-helper, T-suppressor, and B-cell populations was performed. Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 were harvested at 8 months, and splenic lymphocytes were subjected to lymphocyte transformation assay.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Silicon tissue assays: a comparison of nonaugmented cadaveric and augmented patient levels.

Tissue silicon assays were performed on 10 nonaugmented cadavers and 25 augmented women to confirm our previous cadaveric data and to establish silicon levels at local and distant sites in augmented women undergoing explant and further reconstruction. All assays were performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emissions spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Cadaveric tissues were sampled from six sites: liver, spleen, breast, nipple, axilla (soft tissue and nodes), and subcutaneous tissue (abdominal). Augmented women undergoing explant surgery had a portion of their implant capsule, breast tissue, and for those undergoing autogenous reconstruction, a portion of the autogenous donor site or distant tissue sampled. Twenty-four women had silicone implants; one had saline. Results revealed baseline silicon levels in all 10 non-augmented cadavers. These results were equivalent to our previous data, confirming the validity of these baseline data. Silicon tissue levels in the 25 augmented women revealed elevated levels within the implant capsule and surrounding breast tissue. However, silicon levels obtained from distant sites in augmented women were equivalent to the baseline nonaugmented cadaveric levels. There was no correlation between intact or ruptured implants and symptoms of collagen-vascular disease. In conclusion, study validates our original data of baseline silicon levels in nonaugmented cadavers. Contrary to what some may perceive as silicone floating throughout the body, we have found elevated levels around the implant only, and levels at distant tissue sites were equivalent to the baseline cadaveric data.

Abdomen↗